Abstract

MOLEPO, J; MOLAUDZI, M  and  RALEPHENYA, TRMD. Microbial contaminants on dental bib chains with attached clips. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2015, vol.70, n.3, pp.104-107. ISSN 0375-1562.

INTRODUCTION: Reusable dental bib chains are considered to carry a low risk for transmission of infection, and are therefore simply cleaned and disinfected between patients. There is a paucity of information in South Africa on the potential risk of cross infection. AIM: To investigate the extent of microbial contaminants present on such bib chains, after their use on patients having dental treatment and again after they had been disinfected. METHODS: Tests were conducted on forty-four reusable metal bib chains with attached clips which had been used in patient treatment at the Wits Oral Health Centre. The bacterial contaminants remaining on used, and then later disinfected, bib chains were assessed. Microorganisms were identified using conventional microbiological methods. Data were analyzed using STATA 11 software. RESULTS: A high number (84.1%) of the used bib chains harbored microbial contaminants after dental treatment. Thirty-four percent of the bib chains still carried microbial contaminants after disinfection. Enteric, environmental and skin bacteria were observed. CONCLUSION: The used bib chains in this study carried potentially infectious microorganisms. The disinfection.

Keywords : Dental treatment; Microbial contaminants; Bib chains; Disinfection.

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